SNAMM06: Virtually Feedback-Free Acoustic-Electric Guitars

The Yamaha APX electric acoustic line boasts a long history of quality and innovation, similar to the companyâ€™s celebrated FG acoustic models. The APX series has supplied the industry with technological advancements like the first true stereo, hexaphonic pickup and thinline construction body shape.
Now, Yamahaâ€™s new APX Series (APX500, APX700 and the APX900) have made their debut at this summer's NAMM show and appear to have raised the bar for performance electric acoustics by offering a complete aesthetic refresh and adding the revolutionary new Acoustic Resonance Transducer (A.R.T.) pickup system, which captures the guitarâ€™s true natural acoustic tone while virtually eliminating feedback. A new preamp with a built-in tuner and frequency adjustable controls also add to the sound quality of the new models.
Electric acoustics have long vexed guitarists due to feedback and poor sound quality. To develop the A.R.T. system, Yamaha studied all of the methods for amplifying acoustic sounds and devised a better way.
Many traditional piezo electric acoustic, using a ribbon transducer, produce a thin and synthetic sound that does not necessarily replicate the true acoustic sound. The new pickup system â€” available on the APX 700 and the APX900 â€” features multiple proprietary contact microphones mounted on the underside of the sound board, which, according to Yamaha, captures the guitarâ€™s true acoustic resonance.
Designed primarily for live performance, the APX line also includes a shallow body, which makes it easier to play, especially for women and smaller players. Yamaha has also radically updated the lineâ€™s aesthetics. The APX line also includes a lefthanded and a twelve-string model.
Bryan Savage, marketing manager, Yamaha Guitars had this to say about the new APX guitars, â€œThe new APX line offers an amazingly true-sounding acoustic tone. The A.R.T. system represents a breakthrough for accurately reproducing the true resonance of an acoustic guitar, which is one of the most difficult sounds to amplify.
We brought in numerous artists, producers, and sound gurus with a mission of finding and capturing that true acoustic sound. The results are stunning.The completely overhauled APX line is great for guitarists who are looking for an acoustic that is comfortable to play and, more importantly, sounds like an acoustic guitar. The APX has a long history as a launch vehicle for advanced technology and now, we are able to continue that tradition at price points that represent a real value.â€�
Price and Availability
Performance acoustic-electric guitars ship in July, 2006.
APX500 MSRP: $609.99 USD
APX700 MSRP: $909.99 USD
APX700L MSRP: $979.99 USD
APX700-12 MSRP: $979.99 USD
APX900 MSRP: $1,349.99 USD More information: